Viagra
Viagra is the first oral drug for male
impotence. It works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the
inflow of blood needed for an erection.
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Viagra
Viagra Uses:
Viagra is the first oral drug for male impotence. It works by dilating blood
vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection.
How to take Viagra:
Taking Viagra approximately 1 hour before sexual activity works best for
most men. Depending on how and when the drug works for you, an interval of
one-half hour to as much as 4 hours may prove ideal.
--If you miss a dose... Viagra is not for regular use. Take it only before
sexual activity.
--Storage instructions... Store at room temperature.
Recommended Doses of Viagra:
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams,
depending on the drug''s effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams. If you are
over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin,
ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose of 25 milligrams
may be sufficient. Your doctor will adjust the dosage if the drug is not
working properly for you. Take Viagra only before sexual activity. The
manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for
those taking ritonavir).
Viagra Side Effects:
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or
change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Viagra.
More common side effects may include:
Abnormal vision (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity to light), acid
indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, headache, nasal congestion, urinary tract
infection
Less common to rare side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, allergic reactions,
anxiety, asthma, bloodshot eyes, bone pain, breast enlargement, cataracts,
chest pain, chills, coordination problems, cough, depression, difficulty
breathing, difficulty swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry
eyes, dry mouth, emotional or mental disturbances, eye inflammation or pain,
other eye disorders, fainting, falling, genital problems, gout, gum
inflammation, heart problems, increased night-time urination, increased
pressure in the eyes, insomnia, itchy skin, joint disease, light
sensitivity, loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence), low blood
pressure, migraine headache, muscle ache, numbness, oral inflammation, pain,
painful erection, prolonged erection, raised skin patches, rapid or
throbbing heartbeat, rectal bleeding, respiratory inflammation, ringing in
the ears, seizure, sinus and throat inflammation, skin rash, skin ulcer,
slow reflexes, stomach or intestinal inflammation, sweating, swelling,
thirst, tremor, vomiting, weakness. Heart attack, stroke, heart
irregularities, dangerous surges in blood pressure, and sudden death have
all been reported after use of Viagra, usually in men with existing cardiac
risk factors, and typically during or shortly after sex.
Viagra Precautions:
Do not take Viagra if you are taking any nitrate-based
drug, including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro),
nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid,
Nitrostat), and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate).
Combining Viagra with these drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
If Viagra gives you an allergic reaction, do not use it again. If you
have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger, you
should avoid using Viagra. Use it cautiously---if at all---if you've had a
heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within the
past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you have severe high or low blood
pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina (crushing heart pain that occurs
at any time). If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for
example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not
continue. Alert your doctor to the problem as soon as possible. If you have
a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell
anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use
Viagra with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital problem or
deformity such as Peyronie''s disease. If an erection lasts more than 4
hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could
result. If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited
eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication with
caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
Remember that Viagra offers no protection from transmission of sexually
transmitted diseases, such as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This drug is
not for use by women. Its effects during pregnancy have not been studied.
Viagra Drug
Interactions:
If Viagra is taken with certain
other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or
altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before
combining Viagra with the following: Other impotence remedies including
Caverject and Muse
| Amlodipine (Norvasc) |
Cimetidine (Tagamet) |
| Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE) |
Itraconazole (Sporanox) |
| Ketoconazole (Nizoral) |
Nitrates such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur
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| Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) |
Ritonavir (Norvir) |
| Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase) |
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Viagra Overdose:
No overdose of Viagra has been reported. However, any medication taken in
excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek
medical attention immediately.
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